Madam, - At the start of a new year, resolutions to change for the better are made with special determination and sincerity.
It gladdened my heart to hear recently that Cardinal Connell had requested a meeting with two prominent victims of clerical sexual abuse. On Monday evening, after five hours of discussions, we witnessed smiles and public handshakes in the grounds of Archbishop's House. Progress was obviously made and there was renewed confirmation of the cardinal's willingness to co-operate with Garda investigations.
Wouldn't it be truly wonderful if this new beginning signalled the end of clerical sexual abuse in Ireland for ever? I sincerely hope the fact that the clergy's victims have a last found a voice and are using it so effectively will inspire abuse victims at the hands of other perpetrators to publicly and collectively declare their pain and demand justice. We must help them to transfer their shame and humiliation back to their abusers where it belongs and help victims to find acknowledgement and peace.
I pray that 2003 will be the year when Ireland declares that the manipulation, torture, terror, devastation and destruction that is sexual abuse must end for ever. There can be no excuses, no hiding behind titles or the shields of power and authority.
Let 2003 be the year of the victim and of justice and let us strive to end sexual abuse in this country. Might I suggest that this be our nation's New Year resolution. - Yours, etc.,
Dr BERNADETTE BRADY,
Hillside Park,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.